Undaunted by Friday's downpour and the overnight quick freeze -- and hungry for skiing -- a schuss buddy and I headed west to the Mount Washington Valley yesterday for some downhill at Attitash followed by some chowing-down at the Jackson Ski Touring potluck dinner.

Cherie Perkins, one of the Ski Bum's favorite schuss buddies, poses for the camera at Attitash's Bear Peak yesterday.
SCOTT ANDREWS PHOTO

Cherie skis in toward the base yesterday at Attitash's Bear Peak.
SCOTT ANDREWS PHOTO

After taking a few runs on Bear Peak, we crossed over to the Attitash side. Conditions? A very skiable frozen granular surface -- about the best the grooming crew can do after as much rain as we got on Friday and the overnight freeze-up.

Attitash's vastly expanded snowmaking capacity was obvious: Plenty of cover on all the main trails with only a few bare spots.

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View of the Attitash main lodge, taken from the summit triple chairlift.
SCOTT ANDREWS PHOTO

Heading down from the main summit at Attitash yesterday.
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After the lifts closed, Cherie and I headed up to Ptarmigan's Pub for some apres ski before continuing to Jackson.

Apres ski at Ptarmigan's at Attitash.
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The monthly potluck suppers held at Jackson Ski Touring have been a mainstay of the Mount Washington Valley's social scene for years. Great food and outstanding company!

Cherie and I sat opposite John and Alice Pepper, a charming couple I've known for about two decades.

John was one of the original stockholders of Wildcat Mountain, which celebrates its 50th season this year. The first stockholders also got lifetime passes to the Cat. "Fifty years of skiing for a thousand bucks!" exclaimed John.

Wife Alice, who usually heads up the Over-70 division of the masters races, is the author of a recently published history of Jackson.

The Jackson Ski Touring Club's monthly potluck dinners are a mainstay of the Mount Washington Valley's social scene.
SCOTT ANDREWS PHOTO

Alice Pepper is a masters ski racer -- and author of the recently published history of Jackson.
SCOTT ANDREWS PHOTO

Among the others I chatted with last night: Steve and Sally Swenson, the parents of three-time Olympian Carl Swenson, who was the top nordic racer on the U.S. Ski Team for many years. Steve and Sally remain formidible competitors in New England masters racing.

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